1998 Chevrolet Malibu review from North America

Fan speed control - I'm on my third set of speed control resistors.

Total bill $70 each time.

Springs - replaced both front springs, one a 67K kilometres and the other at 115K

Total bill approx $1300 - 2 springs, one tire, strut mount.

Paint - peeling on the rear quarter panel.

Intake manifold gasket, replaced at 125K kilometres ( (78K miles)

Total bill $809.

Antilock breaks (gone at 80K - $975 to repair - not done)

Wheel bearing (front left)

Total bill $550.00.

Water Pump

$300 115K.

Rattles and squeaks to beat the band.

Without a doubt the worst car purchase of my life. I’ve owned a Mustang GT, Mercury Topaz, IH Scout, Volvo 240 and now a Saab 900 along with the lowly Malibu. I’ve read some of the other comments about this car and echo the sentiment.

I also had the antenna connection problem mentioned in other comments, a simple fix, but annoying still. These repairs I would consider to over an above the normal wear and tear on a car. I have also gone through a set of rotors and am on the third set of brake pads, but I don’t consider this too excessive.

Gas mileage has been constant although this is clearly a weak engine design as the head gasket (there isn’t really any gasket according to my mechanic) will likely be ready to go soon as well. What makes this so incredulous is the dealership recognizes the weaknesses in design and does nothing in defence of their customer. They just add up the bill and try and pay you off with a credit towards the purchase of another GM vehicle – not bloody likely.

One of the other comments was GM should be embarrassed about this car. I’ll go one further – they should be liable. What is supposed to be a family oriented car and thus for someone on a budget has turned out to be a hole into which I pour money. In the past two years I have not gone 6 months without dumping between 500 and 1,000 bucks onto a repair bill. Oh ya, Firestone, forget about it……

Don’t walk from your GM dealer….run!!!